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Presented by the Macao Foundation and produced by the China National Theatre, the stage play Green Snake comes to Macao. This highly acclaimed production, directed by renowned mainland Chinese director Tian Qinxin, is a modern reinterpretation of the classic legend by famous Hong Kong author Lilian Lee (Li Bihua). Following its sold-out premiere at the Hong Kong Arts Festival in March 2013, the play now arrives in Macao for a limited engagement.
Directed by Tian Qinxin, known for revitalizing literary classics with a contemporary edge. The stellar cast features:
The production boasts an international creative team from the China National Theatre, the National Theatre of Scotland, and a German stage designer, who traveled to Jiangnan, China, to authentically capture its essence, blending Western aesthetics with traditional Chinese scenery to recreate the enchanting beauty of West Lake.
Based on Lilian Lee's celebrated novel, Green Snake shifts the perspective from the traditional White Snake to her mischievous and willful sister, Green Snake. The story explores a legendary love affair between humans and demons, involving four protagonists from the realms of humans, Buddha, and demons. Director Tian approaches the tale from a purely female perspective, using Green Snake's sharp and intimate viewpoint to boldly examine desire, challenge mainstream female values, and reveal women's innermost secrets, creating continuous buzz since its debut.
Under the misty rain by West Lake, the poisoned Green Snake (Xiaoqing) is saved by White Snake (Suzhen). They become like sisters and, yearning for human love, descend into the mortal world together. Suzhen falls for the handsome Xu Xian, while Xiaoqing watches coolly yet is tempted to try for herself. As Xu Xian's affections waver, jealousy and suspicion ignite a love triangle. The monk Fahai, determined to stop this unnatural love, kidnaps Xu Xian, escalating the conflict into a four-way struggle. The final battle at Jinshan Temple buries all shock, grief, and regret beneath the Leifeng Pagoda... where endings become beginnings, and desire endures.
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